The Dries Van Noten stamp of approval is pretty much all you have to know about Jenn Huynh. The florist and founder behind Future Flowers is all the more rare when you consider her eclectic portfolio, a collection of “lil freaks,” as she calls them: cascading arrangements for Derek Lam, edible sculptures for chef Sophia Roe, geometric bouquets for Miu Miu, gothic mixes for Rick Owens, and even floral coupes for ITG’s Top Shelf dinner party. And Jenn herself is just as cool as her otherworldly florals—she has the photos of her red hair era to prove it. Below, she shares the markets, shops, and hidden gems she returns to again and again—and where she finds inspiration in New York City.
Dear ITG,
I started my career as a visual merchandiser for brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., and Gap, but there came a point when I realized I wanted to work with something living, like flowers or foliage. I started blending those two worlds by making arrangements at home, and I slowly became much more interested in that than my actual job.
It’s funny because when I first started, my brain immediately went to “traditional” floral arrangements. Then I began seeing florists push flowers into a more artistic space, and it gave me permission, if you will, to do the same. Now my inspiration comes from sculptural ideas and thinking about how I can combine textures, colors, and shapes to create something that sometimes feels a little alien. That’s really at the core of the work I do through Future Flowers, whether it’s floral styling for an editorial or event, or designing a set.
It might sound cheesy, but living in New York City, I find inspiration everywhere. I visited The Frick Collection for the first time since its renovation and was blown away by the energy of the space. Those kinds of places really wake up my design brain—and help get me out of flowers for a minute. Sometimes I have to zoom out because I get so myopic about what I’m making. Even going to a restaurant and seeing how a chef plates a dish inspires me. I went to Bridges in Chinatown recently and was so impressed by how intentional every single detail was. That’s how I want my own work to feel.
In Brooklyn, Flower Aggregate in East Williamsburg has beautiful blooms from local farms. But I’m at the flower market on 28th Street all the time—some weeks I’m there every single day. I think most people already know Dutch Flower Line. I also always stop at Associated Cut Flower. They have everything from orchids, tropical stems, and anthuriums to classic roses and tulips. One of the workers there, Vally, is incredibly helpful.
I’ve also been going to Abraflower a lot lately. They carry beautiful Japanese products, so I’ll stop in when I’m looking for something a little more unique. J Rose is another favorite because they always seem to have stems I won’t find anywhere else. I’m always drawn to that.
Oh, and beyond the flowers themselves, Jamali Garden is my favorite place for vases and all the random little things you never realize you need. I usually get there around 6AM because it works best with my schedule, but the flowers arrive early, and I want to be there before the best stems are gone. If you show up at 9AM, you’ll still find something beautiful, but the early bird definitely gets the worm.
People don’t always realize how much happens before flowers make it onto their dinner table—or before they even get into my hands. I’m so grateful to the vendors who make everything happen before the sun comes up. I think about them all the time—and sometimes I even feel guilty—but we have this wonderful little flower family and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it.
With love,
Jenn Huynh
—as told to Daise Bedolla
Photos courtesy of Jenn Huynh